A memorial for the late Jan R. Cook is coming together.
Hats & Horses - Niagara Derby Day will be held at the Meridian Centre on Saturday, May 5 as part of a new event in memory of the longstanding local business leader who was also known for his philanthropic efforts in Niagara.
Cook took on many fundraising roles, including the $40M "It's Our Time" campaign that helped to fund the new St Catharines Hospital.
Today his family and friends announce a new fundraiser in memory of Cook called Hats & Horses - Niagara Derby Day, with proceeds from the event shared between Community Care St. Catharines-Thorold, FACS Niagara, and Niagara Children's Centre.
"My dad was a sports enthusiast and he made a tradition of traveling to Kentucky on the first Saturday in May to enjoy the Derby and all of the festivities," said Cook's son Adam, who serves as co-chair of the event's planning committee. "We're excited to present Niagara's take on the world's largest cocktail party as event-goers enjoy the excitement of the Kentucky Derby"
Hats & Horses - Niagara Derby Day will be hosted at the Meridian Centre in St. Catharines and will feature food stations, cocktails, and entertainment, including the live broadcast of the Kentucky Derby being shown on the big screen.
Attendees will also have access to on-site race wagering provided by Champions Off-Track Betting (Woodbine Entertainment Group).
"My vision is to see hundreds of guests spilling out onto St. Paul Street after a great event and filling downtown with their brightly coloured fashion statements," adds the younger Cook.
Hats & Horses will be hosting a fashion show with a globally inspired twist - where guests are the models in the show.
Tickets are $100 plus fees and go on sale on Wednesday, February 28th and are available through Ticketmaster and at the Meridian Centre box office.
For more info go to www.hatsandhorses.ca